Shepherding Problem

The shepherding problem focuses on efficiently guiding a large group of autonomous agents (the "flock") towards a desired location using a smaller number of controllers (the "shepherds"). Current research emphasizes developing robust methods for heterogeneous flocks, where agents exhibit diverse behaviors, often incorporating planning algorithms like the Traveling Salesperson Problem (TSP) and adaptive control strategies to navigate obstacle-filled environments. This research area is significant for its potential applications in diverse fields, including robotics, wildlife management, and environmental remediation, offering solutions for coordinating large-scale systems without relying on direct communication between all agents.